Effect of plane of nutrition on nutrient utilization and performance of Barbari kids

The study was taken up to assess the effect of different energy and protein levels on the performance of kids. Barbari kids (36; 4 m old of 9.18±0.59 kg BW; 20 male and 16 females) divided into 4 equal groups were offered either LPLE, LPHE, HPLE or HPHE concentrate mixtures @ 2% of the body weight followed by Cajanus cajan straw ad lib and 300–400 g available green fodder for 120 days. The DM and TDN intake were comparable in all groups, but CP and DCP intake increased significantly with the increase in protein level. The digestibility of CP increased (P<0.01) with the increase in protein levels, NFE digestibility increased (P<0.05) in high energy groups but that of EE was depressed (P<0.05) in HPLE group. The digestibility of other nutrients was comparable in all groups. The plane of nutrition did not have any impact on TVFA's but TCA-N in strained rumen liquor was improved (P<0.05) in high protein and energy group (HPHE). The N-retention, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiencey (FCE) were not influenced by plane of nutrition. However, LPLE group was economical to give more than 50 g ADG in weaned Barbari kids.